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Fire Island National Seashore to Proceed with Dredging Projects

Patchogue, NY – On September 9, 2013, the National Park Service (NPS) released an environmental assessment (EA) for public review that proposed to dredge existing navigational channels and their associated marinas and docking facilities at three sites on Fire Island. The purpose of the dredging project was to reestablish safe, public access to NPS facilities in the aftermath of multiple storm events, including Hurricane Sandy in October, 2012. The EA was completed in accordance with the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality.

During the public comment period for the EA (September 9 – October 27, 2013), the NPS received a total of six (6) public comments on the EA. All comments were in favor of the project, stating that dredging the channels and marinas will make navigation easier and safer for recreational boating.

Based on the analysis presented in the EA and comments received from the public and involved agencies, the NPS selected the alternative to re-dredge the channels and marina areas at Sailors Haven, Talisman/Barrett Beach, and Watch Hill.A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) to the human environment was issued on March 31, 2013.

The NPS is in the process of obtaining the project permits required by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dredging activities are scheduled to be completed at Sailors Haven and Watch Hill by January, 2015. Dredging at Talisman/Barrett Beach will be completed when future funding becomes available.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

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